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Beat your postmenopausal blues with these lifestyle tweaks

Menopause is the fact of women's life but the transition isn't something to dread. Manage your postmenopause better with these tips and make your journey easier!
hot flashes
Hot flashes and night sweat are some of menopausal symptoms. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 21 Sep 2021, 11:05 am IST
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Menopause isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but it doesn’t have to be a Pandora’s Box of discomforts either. Menopause is a natural biological change in women’s lives. It’s a time when our body functions and organs, like the ovaries, start to slow down. Your hormone levels also decrease during this time, and as a result, you may experience discomfort.

In contrast to what many of us believe, menopause doesn’t happen in an instant. It’s a journey that has three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. During this period, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. 

During postmenopause, many of the symptoms you experienced during perimenopause or menopause may cease. However, there are several health issues to consider which may be caused by your body’s decreased hormone levels. 

For better management of the body and health during the postmenopausal period, HealthShots reached out to Sharanya S Shastry, a chief clinical nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala, Bangalore. 

Dr Shastry says, “In general, menopause is usually confirmed after 12 months following the last menstrual cycle but the initial symptoms, discomfort, and overwhelming emotional changes can begin much earlier. Hormonal and physical changes can all lead to a number of nutritional deficiencies. These hormone imbalances also make women more susceptible to declined bone density and calcium deficiency.” 

postmenopause
You must pay attention to your lifestyle, both before and after menopause. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

There are several risk factors linked with menopause but good nutrition and certain lifestyle changes can help a woman deal with the stage with ease, shares the expert.

Here are a few guidelines that one can follow postmenopause:

 

1. Add nutrients

 

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Add enough calcium, iron, and fiber to the platter. Inclusion of calcium-rich, iron, and fiber related food items in the diet can help a woman maintain a healthy eating regimen. These food items help to build muscles, make hemoglobin, increase bone density and improve bowel movement. Broccoli, dairy products, fish, meat, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, bread, cereals are a few that can be included in the platter. The recommended iron allowance for a woman in a day is 8 milligrams and fiber is 21 grams.

Also, read: Early menstruation is linked to increased menopausal symptoms. Here’s why

 

2. Intake of salt and sugar in moderation

 

Certain foods may trigger hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Common triggers may include salt and sugar. “Excess sodium in the diet can give rise to high blood pressure problems. High nitrate level is linked with cancer, therefore, one should avoid smoked or salted, processed and charbroiled food items,” says Dr Shastry. 

postmenopause
Don’t overdo salt, because it can land you in trouble. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

High-fat food items are another potential reason to raise cholesterol levels and give rise to heart-related ailments. Fatty meat, excess cheese, and ice cream should be taken in moderation. 

 

3. Stay hydrated

 

Hydration is the most important step that can be the answer to every health problem. Intake of eight glasses of water every day can help a person stay hydrated and flush out the excess toxins from the body. 

Also, read: You can get menopause before 40! And here’s what a gynaecologist wants you to know about it

 

4. Decrease liquor consumption

 

Consuming alcohol can double the problems and risks for any person. Dr Shastry says, “Quitting or controlling the liquor consumption can help a person live longer with fewer health issues. Women should limit themselves to one or two times per week post-menopause.”

postmenopause
Limit your alcohol consumption for the sake of your health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

 

5. Maintain healthy body weight

 

It is common to gain weight during menopause. This can be due to a combination of changing hormones, ageing lifestyle, and genetics. To maintain a healthy weight, regular exercises and workout routines must be followed on an everyday basis. Brisk walking, jogging, and zumba can also serve the purpose. One should always remember that diet and exercise if followed together diligently, one can achieve healthy body weight, suggests Dr Shastry. 

Apart from the above-mentioned guidelines, magnesium and vitamin B12 also serve as powerful supplements for post-menopausal health. Periodic medical tests and examinations are crucial for women to maintain a healthy postmenopausal health.

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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